Which rookie tight ends to start and who to sit in Week 3 of NFL fantasy football? While Tyler Warren has been the baller amongst rookie tight ends through the first two weeks, another tight end is emerging as a fantasy football prize.
Through two weeks, Cleveland Browns rookie Harold Fannin Jr. has been showcasing his talent in the NFL with 12 receptions for 111 yards. Can that continue through Week 3? Along with Warren and Fannin Jr, which other rookie tight ends are primed to shine and which should ride the pine this week for fantasy football owners?
TE– Tyler Warren, TE4, Indianapolis Colts (2-0) vs. Tennessee Titans (0-2)
Tyler Warren’s good start in the NFL should continue in Week 3 against the Tennessee Titans. The rookie tight end is averaging 77.5 yards through his first two games in the NFL and is looking like a reliable target in the Colts’ offense.
Ranked third amongst NFL tight ends with 16 targets, look for Warren to once again be a top target of Daniel Jones. With the ground attack of the Colts led by Jonathan Taylor, the Titans will be locked in on stopping the run which should open some favorable matchups for Warren in the passing game. Through two games, the Colts’ defense ranks near last in the league in receiving yards allowed to tight ends who line up on the line. That favors Warren.
TE – Harold Fannin Jr. TE12, Cleveland Browns (0-2) vs Green Bay Packers (2-0)
Harold Fannin Jr. has 111 reception yards through the first two weeks of his NFL career and expect his rise to continue against the undefeated Packers in Week 3. Going into Lambeau against a defense that has been flying high is a big task for the Browns as a team, but if they are to have a chance it involves getting their tight ends going against a Packers team that is ranked 28th in yards allowed per game to opposing tight ends. Fannin Jr. should get his share of targets, especially when the Browns are lined up in 12 personnel.
As a hot waiver wire pickup for fantasy owners, look for the Browns rookie to be a bright spot in the game and a quick outlet for Joe Flacco who will see the pressure from Michah Parsons and company.
TE – Colston Loveland, TE17, Chicago Bears (0-2) vs. Dallas Cowboys (1-1)
As the first tight end off the board in the 2025 NFL Draft, it’s been a quiet start to the season for Colston Loveland. With just 3 targets in the first wo games, expect the Chicago Bears to get the rookie tight end going in the Week 3 matchup against the Cowboys. Will this be a breakout week for the Michigan product?
With the Bears desperate for a win, it would be a good spot for Loveland to get going. The Cowboys gave up a ton of points to Russell Wilson and the Giants in a Week 2 overtime win.
NFL Week 2 Fantasy Football Sit ‘Em
TE – Mason Taylor, TE22, New York Jets (0-2) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0)
The Sit ‘Em’s star with Jets rookie tight end Mason Taylor in Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With Justin Fields out and the team rolling with Tyrod Taylor, expect the Jets offense to rely more on their running game so it projects to be another quiet week for the second-round pick.
With just three targets through the first two game, the Jets need to get Taylor going in the offense. It just won’t be this week against the undefeated Buccaneers.
TE– Elijah Arroyo, TE39, Seattle Seahawks (1-1) vs. New Orleans Saints (0-2)
It could go either way for Elijah Arroyo against the Saints. But sit him in this Week 3 matchup with the Seahawks leaning on their running game against the Saints’ defense. With just four targets thus far in the season, Arroyo is another talented tight end who hasn’t gotten going yet. Until there is a sign that he will be utilized more in the Seahawks’ offense, it’s wise to keep him on the bench.
NFL Week 3 Fantasy Football Sleepers
TE– Gunnar Helm, TE47, Tennessee Titans (0-2) vs. Indianapolis Colts (2-0)
In what could turn into a game featuring two rookie tight ends, keep a guy on Gunnar Helm this week against the Indianapolis Colts. The Texas Longhorns alum has the size and athleticism to make plays in the Titans’ offense which he has shown a flash off. With Tyler Warren getting all the attention on the Colts side of the ball, don’t be surprised if Cam Ward throws the ball to his rookie tight end a bit more in this game.